Skype, 3 Network To Debut International Wireless VoIP This Friday

Skype has for a while shown to maintain just a small piece of itself in the world of wireless communications, what with its relatively lackluster sales of Skype-specific handsets (think Netgear, Philips, and SMC VoIP devices). Now the eBay-owned company is set to enter into the great big sea of cordless chatter with its announcement of the impending debut of its first cellular-network-backed handset in a new partnership with the international cellular network, 3.

The device, to be made available on November 2nd in nine markets in which 3 is a presence, will cost consumers roughly the equivalent of 50 pounds, and is to be sold as a pay-as-you-go phone. (Several press outlets are also claiming that the phone will be free for those that purchase a set of three with a contract. Get it? 3 phones. 3 network.) Those looking to talk via Skype with the handset will be required to pay at least 10 pounds in “top-up” minutes every month for the luxury of mobile VoIP.

You know what I think? I think this could be big. And here’s why.

The number of people using Skype around the world is quite massive, really. The total figure is most likely to be larger than all of 3’s membership. And because Skype users are Skype users for a reason -the service is inexpensive - they’ll likely see the 60-pound initiation fee (50 pound for device; 10 pound to access the service “on the go”) as a reasonable price to pay to have their VoIP just about anywhere they wish. No more headsets. No more sessions at the local café with portable PCs. Just a pocket-friendly mobile phone, 10 pounds a month, and all’s well.

Think about it. I’m certain that there are millions of Skype-adept youth in the markets 3 inhabits. And it’s also likely fair to say that most who fit that description, given the option, would jump aboard a plan that allowed them to spend a small amount per month to enjoy the benefits of mobile Skype calling (instant messaging will be possible, too) for little or no cost. (No cost if connections are Skype-to-Skype, but outbound calls to regular phone lines are likely to carry a charge for 3 subscribers.)

Whether this move acts as a big financial benefit to Skype, whose performance as of late has not been met with great appreciation by its owner, it’s hard to say. I much doubt the VoIP company will be gleaning much from the monthly 10-pound fees gathered from 3’s subscribers.

Whatever the case may be, this announcement is sure to be met with excitement throughout all nine markets the phone will be delivered later this week. That includes numerous European countries, as well as Australia and Hong Kong.